Meet Fernando G of Sunland, CA.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Fernando G.

Fernando, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was 9 years old when I saw my first set of turntables. I was already very passionate about music. My brother Marco began showing me the ropes on how to mix. Before I knew it, I was DJing parties—weddings, Quinceañeras, Sweet 16s, and more. I grew up in a radio family. My father was a Golden Mike Award winner, and my brother was in sales. I always wanted to be an on-air personality. That opportunity came when I was hired at Power 106 in 1989.

There, I began to learn the ropes of everything there is to know about radio. I got my chance to be on-air when Frank Lozano invited me to be part of his Loose Crew. That was the first time I was on-air.

Later on, I moved into the Spanish market, working for stations like KLVE 107.5, La Que Buena, and Super Estrella. But things changed when I got hired at VIVA 107.1 FM. There, I launched my first solo mix show. I was not only competing with other Spanish-language stations, I was also going up against Power 106 and KIIS FM.

For five years, I was well known as the bilingual Spanish Rock DJ. But, as they say, all good things come to an end. The station was sold, and we all had to look for other jobs. I did a short stint at another Latin station, but it never took off.

I started focusing on voiceover work and also joined Rodri Entertainment to help them with the annual MARIACHI USA Festival at the Hollywood Bowl. But eventually, radio came calling again. I was hired as the Marketing Director for Exitos 93.9. Two years later, I was contacted by La Raza and Mega 96.3. They wanted me to lead their Marketing/Promotions office. In April of 2012, I joined them and was now working behind the scenes. But the feeling just wasn’t the same.

I eventually decided to move on and search for something new. The only thing I knew I was really good at was DJing and putting together events. So I decided to open my own company. And that’s how Elite DJs & Event Planning was born. We opened in 2015 and began providing memorable entertainment for weddings and private events throughout the San Fernando Valley and beyond.

My company continued working with Rodri Entertainment, developing their sponsor activations and hosting their VIP Pre-Party every year at the Hollywood Bowl. You could say I had come full circle. Then, in 2017, radio wanted me back again. A good friend of mine called and told me he had teamed up with some investors to buy radio stations in Barstow and Las Vegas. He wanted me to be part of his team as their Marketing Director. I wanted no part of it.

He continued calling and wouldn’t give up. One day, he said, “Can you just help me come up with a promotion for this one client? I just need some ideas to present.” I agreed. Two weeks later, he contacted me and told me they loved my ideas and bought the promotion. He insisted I needed to be part of his team.

I thought about it for a long while, and after discussing it with my wife, I decided to jump back into radio—but there would be a few conditions. To cut a long story short, I got hired as their Marketing/Promotions Director and was able to work from home. About a year later, the owner called me and said, “I understand you used to have a great mix show. How would you like to host another show?” Just like that, I was back on-air.

I am now the host of The Mix Down, which airs every Friday and Saturday night at 8 PM on VIBE 99.7 in Las Vegas. It has been an amazing journey. I continue working in my family business alongside my wife and two sons, and I’m hosting one of the most listened-to dance mix shows in Las Vegas. But I always feel like there’s room for more.

I am currently producing remixes and original dance tracks you can hear on my show, Spotify, and anywhere else you listen to dance music. It’s been a crazy ride so far, and I can’t wait to see what else is in store for me.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Oh no! Nothing is smooth sailing in anyone’s life. I hit some major obstacles. There was a time when I had left radio that that things got very difficult. But lucky for me, I have an amazing supportive wife that kept my focused on what I needed to do. Life is like a rollercoaster. there are ups and downs, and you feel really scared at times, but then you are laughing about the highs and lows.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in entertaining people. Be it by DJing their wedding or spinning at a nightclub, or creating music that makes you want to dance. I did not graduate High School, nor did I attend much college. But nevertheless, I was able to hold high positions in radio for some of the biggest radio stations in Los Angeles and Las Vegas and I own my own company. That can make just about anyone proud of his/her accomplishments. I think that’s what kind of sets me part from others. You cn say I am Jack of all trade within my craft.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
WOW! My favorite childhood memory was discovering music. I was around 5 years old, when I began looking through my Dad’s records. there I discovered The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Credence Clearwater Revival and more. Then listen to Disco in the mid 70s. That’s just blew my mind. It was the best thing that could have happened to me.

Pricing:

• Pricing depends on various factors

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.elitedjs.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elitedjsla/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElitedjsLA/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/djfernandog
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/elite-djs-and-event-productions-los-angeles-2
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/dj_fernando_g

Image Credits
All pictures where taken by my talented wife Georgina Vallejo.